Teaching the NIATx Model of Process Improvement as an Evidence-Based Process

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Process Improvement (PI) is an approach for helping organizations to identify and resolve inefficient and ineffective processes through problem solving and pilot testing change. Use of PI in improving client access, retention and outcomes in addiction treatment is on the rise through the teaching of the Network for the Improvement of Addiction Treatment's (NIATx) Model for Improvement. Emphasizing five phases of change, five key principles for change, and four revolving aims, NIATx has taught hundreds of addiction treatment administrative and clinical staff to lead successful process improvement initiatives. This paper draws on experience from NIATx and offers methods and concepts to consider in the teaching of core process improvement tools and techniques.

A Literature Review of Learning Collaboratives in Mental Health Care: Used but Untested

“…“Breakthrough series”, or “NIATx.” These terms were refined after several preliminary searches, and are similar to those used in earlier reviews (13, 14). The term “NIATx” was included in order to capture the NIATX process improvement approach used in the substance abuse literature, which draws on similar conceptual models to the predominant approach to collaboratives, specifically the IHI’s Breakthrough Series (20). …”

Improving client engagement and retention in treatment: The Los Angeles County experience

“…2006Harrington, Van Nimwegen, & Esseling, 1997;Pearson et al, 2005). In recent years, community-based substance abuse treatment organizations have applied process improvement strategies to increase admissions, reduce waiting time from first contact to admission, reduce no-shows to intake/assessment interviews, and increase client continuation in treatment, through an effort referred to as the Network for the Improvement of Addiction Treatment (NIATx; Capoccia et al, 2007;Evans, Rieckmann, Fitzgerald, & Gustafson, 2007;McCarty et al, 2007;Uzoigwe, 2007).…”

“…The walkthrough exercise is critical to understanding how the organization engages a potential new client and shapes the client's "first impression" of the services being offered. The strengths and limitations of the agency's ability to provide timely care, to successfully engage new clients in treatment, and to retain them for an adequate period can be identified during the walkthrough exercise (Capoccia et al, 2007;Evans et al, 2007;Ford et al, 2007). • Change Team: One vehicle for implementing service improvements is the establishment of a Change Team (facilitated by a Change Leader) to identify process barriers and then plan and implement experiments designed to improve the existing process (Langley, Nolan, Nolan, Norman, & Provost, 1996).…”

“…This allows for modifications and adaptations of the change idea prior to broad implementation across multiple programs. • Data: The NIATx process improvement approach utilizes the collection and analysis of quantifiable data before, during, and after a rapid-cycle change project to guide the experiment and provide information about whether the change experiment resulted in a measurable improvement (Evans et al, 2007;McCarty et al, 2007).…”

Crossing the Quality Chasm: Challenges for Counselor Training Programs

“…Martino et al articulates strategies for preparing students who may become supervisors of clinicians who use motivational interviewing as part of the therapy process. Evans et al, (2007) present strategies for teaching process improvement concepts that help agencies improve services to their customers. These evidence-based practices provide examples or models for the teaching of other evidence-based practices.…”